Frequently Asked Questions

When can I expect to see results?

If there are no issues with the integrity of the DNA sample, typically the process takes between 4-6
weeks for buccal samples and 5-7 weeks for samples extracted from vials, syringes and straws. The
average time is approximately 4-6 weeks, but it does vary.

I am an anonymous donor and would like to participate in the project but want to remain anonymous.
What
are CaBRI’s DNA privacy policies?

CaBRI maintains the highest level of confidentially and respect for our clients’ need for privacy.
Many
of the donor conceived individuals in our database have very little information regarding their
donor,
including donor number. Even with remaining anonymous, your participation would provide a means to
connect half siblings with other half siblings through matches to your Y-chromosome, as well as a
way to
accurately update your donor profile information.

Should I fill out the DGA application and send in my vials? What are the fees and what would the fee
be
if there is no genetic material extracted?

Yes, please complete the DGA application and submit it. CaBRI will
send
you appropriate shipping materials for you to transfer your vials safely to our facility. Our fees
can
be viewed on the fee page. If we are not able to recover any genetic material
from your sample, you will not be charged the fee for DNA analysis.

I have no knowledge about my donor, so I would like to find out what I can through DNA testing.
Could
you please let me know how I can obtain a DNA collection kit?

Please complete the DGA application. Once we have received your
contact
details including address and telephone number, the appropriate number of DNA collection Kits will
be
mailed to you.

Do you plan on looking for mutations that might indicate medical defects or a tendency in that
direction?

We are able to test for a number of genetic diseases—if there is a particular test that someone
desires
to have done then please inquire by email at cabri@cabrimed.org.

I am interested in DNA testing on myself and my daughter. I would like to know what my next step
would
be to accomplish this task.

Please complete the DGA application for Buccal Swab DNA. After review
of
your application, you will be contacted if any further information is required. Otherwise, the
appropriate number of DNA Collection kits will be mailed to the address provided. For the analysis
of
daughters, it is ideal to test the mother and one of her close male relatives (father, brother,
uncle)
in addition to the daughter. If the donor’s DNA is available for analysis (from a full or empty
vial, or
may already be in the database), then only the daughter’s and the donor’s DNA are required.

How are half siblings matched?

Males will be matched with males through the Y chromosome. The analysis for this is straight forward
as
the Y chromosome your son inherited from his donor father is an exact copy of the donor's Y. Two
male
half siblings would be expected to have received identical copies of the donor’s Y chromosome.
However,
females inherit two X chromosomes, one from their mother and the other from their father. The X
chromosome undergoes recombination so that it is no longer an exact copy. This makes analyzing
females
more complicated. However, if a close male relative of the mother is available for testing, then the
results from his analysis can help to deduce what X was likely to have come from the mother.
Females are placed in an 'X' database and males are placed in a 'Y' database. In some cases, we have
been able to deduce the donor of a female and also confirm that the donor fathered a son--with this
information we can then reasonably assume that the sister and brother are half siblings but to
confirm
this relationship, a siblingship DNA analysis is required. To ensure that the correct testing is
done
for your situation please call.

I would like to get information on having my 2 DI children tested. Should I also be tested as the
biological mother?

For daughters, who inherit two X-chromosomes, receiving one from each parent, it is ideal to test
the
mother and one of her close male relatives (father, brother, uncle) in addition to the daughter. If
the
donor’s DNA is available for analysis, then only the daughter’s and the donor’s DNA are required.
However, for sons, it is only necessary to test the son’s Y-chromosome as he inherits an exact copy
from
his biological father.

If we have had our DNA tested somewhere else, can we provide you with the markers to put in your
database or does the entire process need to be redone?

We would be happy to receive the results from the other company; however, we would prefer repeating
the
analysis for a number of reasons. The reasons include various companies will analyze different
markers,
will have different protocols and standards, and may have differing results.

I just put them both my empty vials in the freezer (this would be around 48 hrs after thaw)...is it
worth saving them at this point, or would the DNA now be degraded?

The DNA should be fine for extraction and analysis. Our fees can be viewed on the fee
page. Once you complete the DGA application and we have received
your
contact details, including address and phone number, we will provide you with information on how to
send
us your vials, syringes and/or straws. Once we have extracted any DNA that is present, we will
return
the vials, syringes and/or straws to you.

Do I send the money back with the buccal swab DNA Collection kit or pay first?

We will provide information on how to make payment along with the DNA Collection kit.

Can I pay for multiple DNA Collection kits, but send them to different addresses?

We can send kits to multiple addresses—just note the details of where you would like the kits to go
in
the comment section of the DGA application.